Thirty-five years ago, Terry Brooks brought to life a dazzling world in The Sword of Shannara. Nineteen more Shannara volumes would follow, making the series one of the most popular fantasy epics of all time. Now comes a fully annotated collector's edition of the novel that started it all - featuring never-before-shared insights into the classic tale and an all-new introduction by the New York Times best-selling author.

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Publisher's Summary

The phenomenal epic of good and evil like it's never been experienced before

Thirty-five years ago, Terry Brooks brought to life a dazzling world in The Sword of Shannara. Nineteen more Shannara volumes would follow, making the series one of the most popular fantasy epics of all time. Now comes a fully annotated collector's edition of the novel that started it all - featuring never-before-shared insights into the classic tale and an all-new introduction by the New York Times best-selling author.

Long ago, wars ravaged the world. In peaceful Shady Vale, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford knows little of such troubles. Then the giant, forbidding Allanon reveals that the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy everything in his wake. The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a true heir of Shannara. On Shea, last of the bloodline, rests the hope of all the races.

Soon a Skull Bearer, dread minion of a mighty evil, flies into the Vale, seeking to destroy Shea. To save his home, Shea must flee, drawing the Skull Bearer after him in menacing pursuit.

What the Critics Say

"The Sword of Shannara is an unforgettable and wildly entertaining epic, animated by Terry Brooks's cosmically generative imagination and storytelling joy. This was one of my favorite fictional worlds growing up, and I look forward to many return trips." (Karen Russell, New York Times best-selling author of Swamplandia!)

"Terry Brooks has been my constant companion over a lifetime of exploring my beloved fantasy genre. I say with all honesty I would not be writing epic fantasy today if not for Shannara. If Tolkien is the grandfather of modern fantasy, Terry Brooks is its favorite uncle." (Peter V. Brett, New York Times best-selling author of The Desert Spear)

"I can't even begin to count how many of Terry Brooks's books I've read (and reread) over the years. From Shannara to Landover, his work was a huge part of my childhood." (Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times best-selling author of The Name of the Wind)

This 35th anniversary edition was probably interesting for someone who loves and has listened to this book many times but for the first time you listen to this book I would go with the standard version. The author makes comments through out the story which is interesting but prevents you from getting into the story.

This is a pretty standard epic fantasy novel. There was nothing too exciting about the book for me but that also could be due to the version I listened to.

Both the story itself and the performance are great. But the annotations simply don't work in an audiobook format. While such features might be a footnote on a written page, such that you could read them when convenient, here they are inserted right into the text in a way that totally breaks the flow the narration. It really interferes with the listening experience.

I'd recommend this audio book to anyone who is looking for a good story and doesn't have the time to feel the pages and read the words. It is well read and with the short clips from The Author gives you an insiders look at the story. (If you prefer not to have the author quips order the one that is not annotated as some find them annoying)

What did you like best about this story?

I am a fan of this particular genre of story telling and I find it a wonderful read/ listen because it has such a wonderful mix of worlds and characters. It is written well so that you can picture the story in your minds eye, almost as if watching a movie. It awakens your imagination.

Which scene was your favorite?

It is difficult to pick a favorite scene because the different directions that involve multiple characters keep you so engaged that you become vested into each sub-story line.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It is really hard for me to put down any well written book and I am almost as bad when it comes to listening to a good story teller. This one kept me wanting to hang on and pushing that pause button was definitely a challenge at times!

Any additional comments?

Over all, I'd have to say, if you enjoy a good story you can not go wrong with a Terry Brooks creation.

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